Bellebration

On April 17th, the final handbell concert, “Bellebration,” was hosted at the College’s very own Royal Oak Forum in the Keeter Center. “Bellebration” is one of the largest handbell productions in the history of College of the Ozarks. Mrs. Marilyn Droke, the director of the handbell concert for 30 years, is retiring after this semester. Past handbell alumni from all around the United States are coming to participate in this special event, ending Mrs. Droke’s career with a resounding “ring” that will echo for the future handbell students of C of O.

With many newspaper articles, competition winnings, special events, and travels, the Handbell Choir of C of O has an impressive record. Highlights include travelling to Austria and the Czech Republic in 2007 along with Ireland and England in 2011. They have played for many C of O events, including major convocations with Mike Krzyzewski and Benjamin Netanyahu. In addition to these astounding accomplishments, they regularly have their own concerts during the semester and even played for Miss America at the Branson Grand Palace in 2000.

Mrs. Droke, in response to how she was feeling prior to the “Bellebration” event, said, “I am very excited about our upcoming concert. The College Handbell Choir is one of the best ever. They are hard workers and have accomplished so much. The returning Alumni handbell ringers are all excited about ringing again and playing their favorites. It should be a wonderful event.” Many of the students are very sad to see Mrs. Droke retiring, however they have many happy memories of her and the time spent playing handbells. One of the current handbell students, Emily Farris, is a senior culinary arts major with a minor in hotel and restaurant management. She has participated in handbells for a total of eight semesters! She stated, “It is my last concert, as well as a few others in the group – so it is exciting and sad at the same time… [I will miss] the laughs that we’ve had as a group… the memories that were made are unforgettable! I love the sense of community that come from playing with handbells. All of us in the choir are extremely different, but with handbells it brings you together almost, and makes it sort of like a family.”

An Amercian Sampler: Featuring Dr. Michael Oriatti and Dr. Sarah Weston

An American Sampler On March 16th, 2016, College of the Ozarks hosted a guest recital titled, An American Sampler, featuring Dr. Michael Oriatti, tenor and assistant professor of music at Lyon College and Dr. Sarah Weston, pianist and adjunct professor of music at Lyon College. The concert opened with a slow piece called “Sure On This Shining Night” by Samuel Barber. Then Dr. Oriatti sang a set of songs focused on love. The first was “Outside This House” from Vanessa and was a sad song about a lover who does not win his true love. He cries out, “How happy we could be together”. The next song is a happier love song titled “With You”. The last two in the set of love songs are by Leonard Bernstein that sounded like it was in a minor key. The first one titled, “Extinguish My Eyes”, was a song about how the lover could still love this person no matter what happened to them. One line from the song went, “Break off my arms and I can embrace you.”

He described the next song as a song “after love, or after life”. It was called, “In That Morning”, and was about going home to heaven. He sang repeatedly of “hearing the sounding trumpets” and how you could bury him in the west or east, but he would still end up in heaven. Then there was a short break from the vocal pieces as Dr. Weston played a piece by herself called “Summerland” by Willian Grant Still. The piece was very pleasing to the ear and a nice change.

The next set was focused on nature. Dr. Oriatti came back on stage and sang a song called “Rain” which was a more light-hearted piece. The piano introduction sounded like rain as it consisted of high notes cascading down in a merry way. The lyrics and music matched each other, painting a picture of rain. He sang “Sometimes rain is fast and sometimes rain is slow” and the tempo matched the words. The next song was called, “My Master Hath a Garden”. It described many aspects of nature such as flowers and everglades and sunlight, but it also incorporated faith as he sang, “Make my heart a garden plot.”

Dr. Weston played a fun ragtime by Scott Joplin and then Dr. Oriatti did a set of songs by Stephen Foster. The first, “Ah! May the Red Rose Live Alway!”, spoke of the longing for the beautiful things to last forever. It spoke, “Why should the beautiful die?” and “Long may the daisies dance in the field”. The most lively song was next titled, “Some Folks” and repeated “some folks fret and some folks scold” and so on and the chorus was a rousing, “Long live the merry, merry heart!” He did a song called “Hard Times Come Again No More” and did something unique at the end of the song. He invited the audience to sing along on the last chorus of the song. He ended the set by Stephen Foster by singing “Laura Lee,” proclaiming the world was like a desert without the smile of his sweet Laura Lee.

The precursor to the final piece was another piano solo by Dr. Weston and it was titled “The Banjo”, Op. 15 and it was very fun and lively. It sounded like a song you might hear at a country-dance. At the end of the piece, it appeared as if her fingers were flying as she played a very fast part that seemed very difficult. Lastly, Oriatti and Weston finished the concert with a song fitting for the end titled, “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You”. It was a soothing slow song that one could not help being lulled in a peace. The lyrics, “May your troubles all be small ones” and “May you walk in sunlight” put a lovely feeling in your soul and ended in applause from the audience.

Looking into the Future

Chris Benham serves as conductor for the College of the Ozark's Chamber Orchestra 

Chris Benham graduated from the College of the Ozarks in Spring 2014 and now has a bright future ahead of him. He got a Master of Arts degree in music and is now conducting his own orchestra and has plans to go on to graduate school. Chris took a conducting class at College of the Ozarks taught by Dr. Bruce Gerlach and he took private conducting lessons with Dr. Kevin Powers. These classes were very helpful in expanding his skills as a conductor. He also increased his knowledge by taking a master class in conducting at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio.

His favorite part of college was the conducting classes he took and actually being a part of starting the orchestra at College of the Ozarks. Chris loves music and chose to make it his career path because he never gets tired of it and no matter what kind of week he is having, he always looks forward to conduct the orchestra and soak in the music.

As Chris looks to the future, he has big plans and exciting dreams. Over the summer he plans to go to the Academy for Advance Conducting in West Virginia and study under a professor from the St. Petersburg Conservatory. In September he will travel to Turkey and get the opportunity to conduct the National Art Orchestra of Italy in Florence for a master class. Then they will perform at the Capriccio Italian Festival.

In the Fall of 2017, Chris plans to attend graduate school, but at this time he hasn’t decided on which one, but he knows he wants to go more in depth with orchestral conducting. The piece of advice Chris would give to students considering a career path in music is, “Be entrepreneurial”. He encourages students to find and make their own opportunities. If you actively seek opportunities, you will go far. He also says it is important to seek advice from experienced musicians and lean on them for knowledge.

Jazz Combo Concert



Guest Artist: Bill Reder

On February 17, the Music Department was honored to host guest artist Bill Reder for the Jazz Combo Concert. Mr. Reder was a distinguished saxophonist in Las Vegas for more than 20 years. He performed for many famous artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mickey Rooney, Liberace, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lewis. He now teaches woodwinds at College of the Ozarks while also performing at the Showboat Branson Bell.

This was the first concert hosted by the Jazz Combo. The Jazz Combo is a small student ensemble that focuses on improvisation of various jazz styles. Generally, combo groups play tunes completely through first, then proceed by playing variations of the tunes through individual solos. Individual solos include piano, trumpet, woodwinds, bass, and drums. 

Dr. Kevin Powers

During the Jazz Combo Concert, a group of three students performed along with Dr. Kevin Powers and Mr. Reder. Dr. Powers, director for the College of the Ozarks' bands, played trumpet for the Jazz Combo Concert. Dr. Powers holds a masters degree in Trumpet performance and a doctorate degree in wind conducting.  

Bass Player: Chris White

Bassist Chris White is a senior computer science major. At an early age, Chris started learning music on the guitar, but at Dr. Power’s request, Chris learned the bass for Jazz Combo. 

Drummer: Taylor Dodson

The Combo’s drummer, Taylor Dodson, is a junior communication arts major with an emphasis in audio and radio. When he first joined the combo, Taylor originally played the guitar, but this semester as a change, he decided to perform on drums. 

Pianist: Caleb Vester

Senior, Caleb Vester, a double major in accounting and piano, performs the piano for not only Jazz Combo, but also in the Jazz Band. Caleb began his improvisational career with a hymnal from his church when he was 15. He continues his career by performing at venues such as Dobyns Dining Room at The Keeter Center.

During the concert, a variety of jazz styles were played including Samba, Swing, Ballads, Soul, and Funk. When asked to explain the experience performing with such an honored guest and distinguished musician, Chris said, “It was an honor to play with a professional musician like Mr. Reder. I learned a lot from listening to his phrasing and dynamic choices.” After the concert, Dr. Powers reflected, “The concert was a complete success. It was a lot of fun playing with Mr. Reder. The students did great and played like experienced jazz musicians.” The Jazz Combo will perform again in the Jazz Band Concert on April 29^th this semester.  

Eugenia Jeong Guest Piano Recital

Guest Pianist, Eugenia Jeong

On February 11, the Music Department was excited to host guest pianist Eugenia Jeong. Ms. Jeong taught Applied Piano, Class Piano, and Music History classes while Dr. Clara Christian was on maternity leave. Laura Berthold, an Applied Piano student, said that “Ms. Jeong really helped me pay attention to each note and to play more expressively.”

Ms. Jeong holds a Bachelor’s degree in in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music with Nelita True, and a master’s degree at Northwestern University in Piano Performance. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Piano Performance. The recital program spanned the major musical periods, beginning in the Baroque Era with Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp major from Book 1 in the Well-Tempered-Clavier. Next, she played Haydn’s Sonata in E-flat major, a harmonically expressive piece from the Classical Period. Leaping to the 20th Century, Ms. Jeong played Bates’ White Lies for Lomax and Kurtág’s Játékok, which comprises several small, playful pieces reminiscent of childhood. Ms. Jeong ended her recital in the Romantic Period with Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 in G minor, a gorgeous and dramatic, melody driven composition.

 Lydia Burnett, a second semester freshman Vocal Music Education Major, attended the recital and said that “Ms. Jeong not only played the piano brilliantly, she made it come alive. The music seemed to flow from her fingertips as they flew across the smooth keys and the melody took shape and resonated from deep within the soul. Ms. Jeong invited the audience to join in the story of music and I felt very much a part of the story.”


Ms. Jeong has been an active presence and a blessing in the Music Department during her short time here. Her recital was a beautiful and moving experience for all who attended. We will miss her but wish her the very best in her future musical endeavors.

Graduating Seniors of 2016

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller This semester, several of our seniors will be graduating and embarking into the unknown. We asked three of the graduating seniors - Walker Boldman, Brian Silengo, and Elizabeth Stuart – to expound on their journey at College of the Ozarks. Walker Boldman is a double major in Mathematics and Music. He is pursuing careers in music and/or engineering. However, his ultimate goal in life is to serve Christ wherever he is. One of the biggest influences on his time here at C of O has been Dr. Bruce Gerlach.

Walker Boldman

Walker has been influenced in many different ways by him and regards Dr. Gerlach as an encouragement, mentor and teacher. In any of his spare seconds, Walker loves reading a good book and traveling. When asked what the biggest takeaway he could offer to any current or future student at C of O, Walker stated, “Never tell someone you’re too busy to do something. You’ll miss so many opportunities and chances to meet new people and do new things.”

Brian Silengo

 Brian Silengo is a Music Ministry major with a minor in Christian Ministry and Biblical and Theological Studies. His future plans include moving back to Colorado, getting married, having kids – and lots of dogs! In addition, he would eventually like to go to Seminary. For his career path, Brian desires to serve God as a worship leader and music minister. People that have greatly influenced him are Dr. Chinn and Dr. Osbourne, for teaching him how to be an effective church leader, how to study the Word, and how to love people better. Dr. Gerlach and Dr. Cornish have also impacted his life by giving him an intense passion for music and pushing Brian to his musical limits. Brian’s favorite thing to do in his free time is to play guitar with his best friend, Hayden Rush. The biggest takeaways he offers to present and future students is, “To always take time to build relationships that would last a lifetime, to save your notes (because you’ll never know when they’ll help you in the long run), and to work hard and take assignments seriously – you take away what you put in.”

Elizabeth Stuart

Elizabeth Stuart is a Musical Theatre major and dreams of starting her own musical theatre/business school. Her favorite pastimes are being in musicals, as well as the “Christmas Card” hosted for the community at C of O annually. Some of the people that have influenced her the most during her C of O college career are her voice teachers: Jennifer Wolcott, Marsha Goldsmith, Gregg Busch, Mark and Lisa Young, and Dr. Bruce Gerlach. If she could offer any advice to any student, Elizabeth stated, “To listen to God first and foremost! His plans are always bigger and better for us. Although I am going into a profession where it is difficult at times to find a job, in the great words of Carrie Wilkerson, ‘Impact is immeasurably more important than income…’ For me, it is about showing God’s glory through my talent and the difference I can hopefully make in people’s lives.”

In conclusion, one is always making an impact, no matter the person, the circumstances, or the place in life. We pray that the seniors will disperse in the world, making a godly impact on every seen and unseen person they inspire. “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. He will put some things behind, [and] will pass an invisible boundary… If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” –Henry David Thoreau

Congratulations

2016 Seniors  

Welcome Back: Spring 2016

The excitement and energy level at College of the Ozarks is running rapid as the students return for the Spring 2016 semester. Asa, a sophomore in computer science, said “It feels great to be back. I’ve missed my professors and friends over the break.” Professors scramble as they begin the hustle of organizing for classes and preparing the ensembles for performances. Dr. Cornish is proud to announce that for the first time in several years, the College of the Ozarks’ Chapel Choir will be preforming in concert (check the events tab for more information). This semester, the music department, together with the theater department, will be performing the Broadway show, Addam’s Family written by Andrew Lippa (check the events tab for more information).

The music department would also like to welcome a new voice instructor, Mrs. Melanie Clevenger. Melanie Holt Clevenger, from Webb City, MO, holds a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy from Missouri State University, where upon she earned is 4.0 grade point average. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Vocal Music Education K-12 from Missouri Southern State University, where she studied in the Honor's Program and graduated Summa cum laude. Melanie has performed on the Showboat Branson Belle as a Showbelle and has performed at Silver Dollar City in Choctaw Charlie's Frontier Follies, Extreme Stunts on Wheels, The Circus of Dreams Parade, and The Holiday Light Parade. She was Celebration City's dance party show host for Ignite the Night, and has shared the stage with Nickelodeon characters as well as Big Idea's Veggie Tales while performing for Silver Dollar City and Celebration City. Recently she was seen on the stage as a mermaid in Broadway of Branson's production of Disney's The Little Mermaid. Mrs. Clevenger served as guest conductor for the Southwest District Junior High Honor Choir Girl's Chorus in 2009 and enjoys giving showchoir clinics at showchoir competions. Melanie has been teaching private voice lessons since 2004 and is feels so very blessed to be a part of College of the Ozarks.
 
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